Samuel Oliver–Bruno Detained at USCIS Biometrics Appointment

MORRISVILLE, NC – After submitting a petition for deferred action, Samuel Oliver–Bruno reported at 8:45am this morning to a procedural biometrics appointment for a background check with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). He was accompanied by countless clergy and community members. Just minutes after he entered the USCIS office with his son Daniel and representatives from the Duke Law Clinic, ICE officials in plain clothes surrounded Samuel and arrested him. The plainclothes ICE officers forced Samuel into a van in the rear of the office, where supporters who were waiting outside the office rushed to block the vehicle. The van had Department of Homeland Security plates.

I want to share a short clip of Samuel Oliver Bruno when he entered sanctuary at The C#ityWell almost a year ago. Today, Samuel went for a biometrix appointment at ICE, seeking a deferment for his deportation. He was detained.

Shortly after 11:30am, Morrisville Police (assisted by Wake County Sheriff’s deputies) arrested the people who were blocking the van from leaving. The arrests were authorized by Morrisville Chief of Police Patrice Andrews.

Samuel Oliver-Bruno is in this van, in ICE custody. Bruno has been living in sanctuary in #Durham church for 11 months. Today, he left for ICE appointment, as he seeks deferred deportation. At that appointment, he was arrested. Church members, clergy, blocking van. @WRAL#WRALpic.twitter.com/fsgvI1V50U

If deported, Samuel fears for his life. If deported, Samuel will be returned to the state of Veracruz, where his family has recently faced threats and which is a state that is constantly in threat of drug cartels. If deported, ICE will be delivering Samuel to danger and death. Furthermore, ICE is not allowing us to give Samuel his diabetic pills or insulin medication, which is further putting his life in danger.